NSF produces background briefings that bring together leading scientists and engineers and the news media in advance of the announcement of major news discoveries or breakthroughs. These events, originally webcast live, are now available for on-demand viewing.

The hangout covers the benefits of biodiversity--and which benefits have been scientifically tested; how biodiversity boosts innovation; and how researchers are measuring biodiversity in the face of environmental change. Guests: Bradley Cardinale of the University of Michigan; Sarah Bergbreiter of the University of Maryland;
Steve Polasky of the University of Minnesota;
Ed Boyden of MIT;
Elizabeth Blood, NSF program director for NEON,

Join NSF for a discussion with David Kaplan and Monica Dunford, the respective producer and featured physicist of the documentary, Particle Fever, being released in theaters around the United States this month.

Panelists include awardees of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, along with students, and representatives of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and NSF Education and Human Resources directorate.